Let’s Take Women Seriously

I never took my health seriously. I ate unhealthy and never worked out, because I thought that I could get by. I was a curvy girl, with extra pounds, but I thought I could do anything just like anyone else.

Then, one day, my minivan got a flat tire as I was driving to work. I expected that changing a tire would be easy, but as I lugged the best aluminum car jack out of the trunk and tried removing the bolts off the tire, I was out of breath. I wasn’t strong enough to do any of it, and it took long enough that eventually someone had to pull over and help me.

This started with small steps, aiming to introduce healthier foods and trying a simple walk during my lunch break. I didn’t want to rush myself into a strict routine, simply because it would prevent me from losing hope and motivation. The smaller steps worked amazing!

I found support from family and friends who were interested with improving their own lifestyles. We built a support system and created small stepping stones to work towards our ultimate goals. The overwhelming support made it so much easier to stay on track together, especially in a non-competitive but helpful way.

When smaller steps became too easy, I decided to join a fun Zumba class. I wanted to enjoy my exercise, and just through the constant practice, I could feel my strength constantly growing. My endurance increased, and I could go for longer walks, lift heavier items, and more!

My healthy eating made a huge difference in my energy. Suddenly, I was able to get out of bed faster in the morning, I needed less caffeine, and I felt an increase in my positive attitude. I’ve started to eat more veggies and fruits as well as drinking more water. The change in diet really has made a different, and I have felt between the exercise and the healthy food that my body has become more muscular and leaner.

The most important thing that I have learned in improving my health is taking it one day at a time. Sometimes, I have set backs where I may not exercise for a few days or eat unhealthy on a vacation. Enjoying the little things in life is alright, and accepting that you won’t work out or eat healthy 10% of the time is party of that. I’ve still made a huge impact on myself and now, I have rapidly improved myself.

Taking a positive approach to improving my health made me start to accomplish more things that I never thought about. I have more energy for my kids and job. I still haven’t had to change a flat tire since that day, but I am positive that I can accomplish it now.